Multi-layer fire starter apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multi-layer fire starter apparatus includes multiple layers of different combustible materials that are configured for ease and speed of initial ignition that, together, produce an extended length of burn time. The ignition layer may be constructed of gel wax configured to ignite a core layer of cotton which is configured to ignite a base layer of gel wax.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 63/353,222 filed Jun. 17, 2022 and titled Multi-Layer Fire Starter Apparatus which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to fire starting devices and, more particularly, to a method and multi-layer apparatus for starting a fire.

Combustion starter devices play a significant role in various industries, including camping, grilling, and fire-related performances such as special effects and controlled burn activities. These devices are designed to ignite easily and produce a sustained flame which in turn can be used to initiate a larger fire. It is important to understand the types, usage, and safety considerations associated with combustible starter devices so as to ensure responsible and safe handling.

Having an accessory device that aids in lighting another material on fire is most associated with camping. In other words, a fire starter device that is constructed of a combustible material may first be ignited and then used to ignite a material that, while more difficult to light initially, is capable of burning for a much longer period of time than the starter device. For instance, a starter device constructed of gel wax or cotton or even cotton that is partially or totally soaked in lighter fluid is highly combustible but only burns for a short time. Such a starter device is effective, once lit, for initiating combustion of wood kindling, severed branches, brush, newspaper, or the like.

Although presumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing fire-starting devices are themselves difficult to start burning or simply do not burn long enough or aggressive enough to fully initiate or ignite kindling and, especially, larger materials such as larger diameter logs or material that may have become wet or has become degraded.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a multi-layer fire starter apparatus that includes multiple layers of different combustible materials that are configured for ease and speed of initial ignition. Further, it would be desirable to have a multi-layer fire starter apparatus that includes multiple layers of combustible materials that, together, produce an extended length of burn time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-layer fire starter apparatus according to the present invention includes a base member having a continuous outer wall that defines an interior area and is constructed using a first quantity of gel wax. The starter apparatus may include a core layer that includes cotton situated in the interior area of the base member. Further, the starter apparatus may include an ignition member mounted atop the core layer and that is constructed using a second quantity of gel wax, the second quantity being a smaller quantity than the first quantity of gel wax. In operation, the ignition member may be ignited using an outside ignition source, such as a cigarette lighter, the ignited ignition member causing the core layer of cotton to ignite and burn. The burning cotton/core layer is intended to ignite the base constructed of gel wax which is included in a quantity sufficient to burn for several minutes or even more than an hour.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a multi-layer fire starter apparatus that includes multiple layers of different combustible materials that are configured for ease and speed of initial ignition.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multi-layer fire starter apparatus, as aforesaid, that will eventually burn for a predetermined lengthy duration.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a multi-layer fire starter apparatus as aforesaid, that includes multiple layers of combustible materials that, together, provides ease of combustion and then safe but lengthy duration.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a fire-starting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is an exploded view of the fire-starting apparatus as in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 a is a side view of the fire-starting apparatus as in FIG. 1 a ; and

FIG. 2 b is a sectional view taken along line 2 b-2 b of FIG. 2 a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A multi-layer fire starter apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 a to 2 b of the accompanying drawings.

The multi-layer fire starter apparatus 10 includes a base 20 that includes a continuous sidewall 21 having a circular configuration defining an interior area configured to surround a core layer 30 (FIG. 1 b ), although a multi-sided configuration generally organized in a circuitous pattern would also work, e.g., a trapezoidal configuration. Stated another way, the base 20 defines a central bore 22 characteristic of a central opening of a doughnut ring. In an embodiment, the base 20 may include a shelf 24 that extends inwardly from an inner surface thereof such that the core layer 30 may be situated and supported upon the shelf 24 when inserted into the central bore 22. In an embodiment, the shelf 24 may completely close the central opening and may be referred to as a bottom wall. In an embodiment, the base 20 may be molded using a gel wax material and may have a diameter and thickness as may be predetermined by a manufacturer or a supplier that is directing the manufacturing specifications.

In an embodiment, gel wax is preferred as a primary material of the base 20 because it has a higher ignition temperature than traditional wax, has a relatively slow and extended burn time, and has safer burn characteristics. More particularly, gel wax is sometimes proposed for candle-making due to its transparency, durability, and safety characteristics. The ignition temperature of a material refers to the minimum temperature required for the substance to ignite and sustain combustion. Gel wax typically has a higher ignition temperature compared to traditional wax, making it less prone to accidental ignition. For instance, the ignition temperature of gel wax ranges between about 200° C. (392° F.) and 260° C. (500° F.), depending on the specific composition and any additives. Further, gel wax is proposed in that it burns more slowly than traditional wax. Unlike traditional wax, which melts and pools around the wick, gel wax has a consistency that allows it to retain its shape while burning which prevents dangerous dripping. In addition, gel wax tends to burn more slowly, is more controlled, and, as a result, is less flammable than traditional wax.

In an embodiment, the gel wax may be mixed with a dye such that the molded base 20 may take on the color of the dye. In addition, it is understood that gel wax burns hotter than traditional candle wax. For instance, an 8-ounce candle constructed of gel wax can burn for 100 hours or more. Preferably, the base 20 is the last layer of the multi-layer fire starter apparatus 10 to be ignited and is constructed to have the longest burn duration.

As mentioned above, the core layer 30 is configured to nest within the central bore 22 of the base 20 and, in an embodiment, to nest itself therein by resting atop the shelf 24. In an embodiment, the core layer 30 is, either wholly or substantially, constructed of cotton material that is itself combustible. In an embodiment, the core layer 30 is arranged and configured in a shape configuration that is complementary and concentric to that of the central bore 22 of the base 20 so as to nest therein. In a preferred method of use, the core layer 30 will be ignited prior to ignition of the base 20 such that the base 20 will then be ignited by the fire of a burning core layer 30. In a manner similar to that described above, the core layer 30 may be mixed using a colored dye such that the invention, as a whole, is indicative of using all-natural or environmentally friendly materials.

Preferably, cotton is a primary material for construction of the core layer 30. Cotton has long been recognized as a highly effective material for starting fires due to its combustible properties and widespread availability. With its natural fibers, cotton possesses excellent flammability characteristics, including a low ignition temperature and rapid burn rate making it an ideal choice for fire-starting purposes. The fluffy and loosely packed structure of cotton enables easy ignition by a spark or flame, quickly transitioning into a steady source of heat and flame. Cotton's versatility extends beyond its role as a standalone fire starter as cotton can also be impregnated with flammable substances such as wax or petroleum jelly to enhance its ignition properties and prolong burn time.

The multi-layer fire starter apparatus 10 may include a third layer which will be referred to as the ignition layer 40 or ignition component. In an embodiment, the ignition layer is a nodule constructed of gel wax positioned on top of the core layer 30. In fact, the nodule of gel wax may be coupled to the core layer 30 using glue 50 or a similar fastener. By volume, the ignition layer 40 contains far less gel wax than that of the base 20 which is intentional in that the ignition layer 40 simply provides a highly flammable means for igniting the cotton of the core layer 30. In other words, the ignition layer 40 being constructed of gel wax is easier and faster to ignite than the cotton-rich core layer 30 that is only intended to burn for a short time at a high temperature intended to ignite the core layer 30.

A preferred embodiment of the multi-layer fire starter apparatus 10 may include the following characteristics but is not limited thereto. For instance, the gel wax, cotton, dye, and glue referred to herein may be taken from that which is commercially available. In a preferred commercial product, the multi-layer fire starter apparatus 10 may have a height of 1 inch, a width of 1⅝ inches, and a weight of 13 grams.

In use, the ignition layer 40 has the appearance of a “button” situated atop the core layer 30. Preferably, the ignition layer 40 may be ignited using a cigarette lighter, an already ignited candle wick, or the like. Being situated atop the core layer 30 and with no fire barrier therebetween, the core layer 30 of cotton will be ignited in due course (such as, for example, in a few seconds) by the burning of the ignition layer 40. Preferably, the core layer 30 will burn for several seconds or even minutes until its heat causes the base 20 to ignite.

Thereafter, the base 20 may burn for several minutes or even hours. Of critical importance, the combination of the ignition layer 40, core layer 30, and base 20 satisfies the objects of the present invention to provide a fire-starting apparatus 10 that is easy and fast to ignite and has a longer duration than existing and proposed fire-starting devices.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof. 

1. A multi-layer fire starter apparatus, comprising: a base member having a continuous outer wall that defines an interior area and being constructed using a first quantity of gel wax; a core layer that includes cotton situated in said interior area of said base member; an ignition member mounted atop that core layer and that is constructed using a second quantity of gel wax, said second quantity being a smaller quantity than said first quantity of gel wax.
 2. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said base member includes a shelf situated in said interior area and adjacent a lower edge of said continuous outer wall, said shelf being configured to receive and support said core layer within said interior area of said base member.
 3. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said ignition member is ignited by said core layer when said core layer is currently burning at a predetermined temperature.
 4. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said predetermined temperature is a temperature greater than about 200° C. (392° F.).
 5. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said predetermined temperature is a temperature between about 200° C. (392° F.) and 260° C. (500° F.).
 6. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said core layer is ignited by said ignition member only when said ignition member is first ignited and still burning.
 7. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said core layer has a cylindrical configuration that is nested upon said shelf and received into said interior area in a friction fit configuration.
 8. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said ignition member is coupled atop said core layer using glue.
 9. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said injection member is combustible for a period of time less than a period of time that said core layer is combustible and said core layer is combustible for a period of time less than a period of time that said base member is combustible.
 10. The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said interior area is a central bore defined by an inner surface of said continuous outer wall of said base member.
 11. A method for igniting a fire starter apparatus, comprising: igniting an ignition member that includes a first quantity of gel wax using an outside ignition source; igniting a core layer that includes a quantity of cotton material using said ignited ignition member to ignite said core layer; and igniting a base member that includes a second quantity of gel wax using said ignited core layer to ignite said base member.
 12. The method as in claim 11, wherein: said base member has a continuous outer wall that defines an interior area and is completely constructed gel wax; and said core layer is completely constructed of cotton material and is situated in said interior area of said base member.
 13. The method as in claim 12, wherein said interior area is a central bore defined by an inner surface of said continuous outer wall of said base member, said base member including a shelf situated in said central bore adjacent a lower edge of continuous outer wall.
 14. The method as in claim 11, wherein said second quantity of gel wax is greater than said first quantity of gel wax.
 15. The method as in claim 13, wherein said core layer has a cylindrical configuration that is nested upon said shelf and received into said interior area in a friction fit configuration.
 16. The method as in claim 12, wherein said ignition member is coupled atop said core layer using glue.
 17. The method as in claim 11, wherein said injection member is combustible for a period of time less than a period of time that said core layer is combustible and said core layer is combustible for a period of time less than a period of time that said base member is combustible.
 18. The method as in claim 11, wherein said interior area is a central bore defined The multi-layer fire starter apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said ignition member is ignited by said core layer when said core layer is currently burning at a predetermined temperature.
 19. The method as in claim 18, wherein said predetermined temperature is a temperature greater than about 200° C. (392° F.).
 20. The method as in claim 19, wherein said predetermined temperature is a temperature between about 200° C. (392° F.) and 260° C. (500° F.). 